Chris Hassman:
There are many ways to prepare for cold weather

Published: January 14, 2012 4:01AM

The weather so far this winter has been pretty mild. But because we live in Ohio, we know that could change any day. Snow, ice and below zero wind chills are normal for this time of year. From an employer's perspective, winter weather offers unique challenges to keeping employees safe. Whether on the job, or off, it pays to be prepared for it.

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the federal governmental organization designated with the role of assuring the safety and health of America's workers. It develops and enforces regulations that make each employer responsible for the safety and health of its workers. Employers are required to implement policies and procedures to prevent injuries by protecting workers from anticipated hazards in the workplace. This includes the hazards associated with winter weather.

Winter weather hazards include but are not limited to treacherous driving and walking conditions from snow and ice, hypothermia and frostbite from exposure to extreme cold or ergonomic/lifting hazards from snow removal. Snow removal hazards also may include exposure to powered equipment, like snow blowers and working from heights if clearing snow from roofs.

Employers have to worry about safety almost as soon as employees arrive on company property. An injury experienced in the parking lot while walking to or from work could be considered work-related. Therefore, it's important for businesses to keep parking lots and sidewalks shoveled and salted at all times. Employees also have a responsibility to make sure they take extra precautions by wearing appropriate shoes for the weather, walking in designated walkways, watching where they walk and walking slowly. Assume all surfaces are icy.

Many employees drive as a part of their job. They need to know how to drive safely in wintry conditions and know what to do if they become stranded in their vehicle. Company vehicles should be maintained in safe operating condition.

Employees who work outside need to take extra precautions in the winter to protect themselves from the cold and wind. When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Therefore, it's very important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Stay warm and dry by wearing a hat, scarf or knit mask, mittens or gloves, weather-resistant coat and boots and several layers of loose-fitting clothing. It's best if the outer layer is wind- and water-resistant.

Prolonged exposure to cold could eventually result in hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. If a person's temperature goes below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite may permanently damage the body and in severe cases may lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. Warning signs that may indicate frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy and numbness. A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical attention.

Make sure you're in good health before you attempt to clear snow from sidewalks or parking lots. The cold weather, along with the strenuous activity of shoveling, can cause exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries or heart attacks. Push the snow rather than lifting whenever possible. If you must lift, scoop the snow in small amounts at a time while keeping your back straight and lifting with your legs. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

Winter weather in Ohio can be very beautiful. But it also may be very dangerous. Be prepared for times of extremely cold weather, use proper precautions while working and you can reduce the risk of weather-related injury or illness.

n Chris Hassmann is the director of environmental health and safety at Ashland University. He can be reached at 419-289-5496.